In other news.

First of all, let me say: Wow. The response to my last post was overwhelming- in a good way. Of course, putting yourself out there you open yourself up to critism. It was worth the risk to me. You gotta have thick skin in this "business"! Obviously, mine has some holes in it but whose doesn't?  WHY are we afraid to talk about the hard stuff? How can we help each other if we pretend the hard stuff doesnt exist? You should see the responses in my inbox- so many kids/parents are struggling... That doesnt mean they are any less than the kids/parents who aren't at the moment. We ALL need support and encouragement.

The last weeks have been busy.  I mean, busier than normal.
Isn't it funny that seven appointments a week is "normal"? It's all relative. Last week we added a few more on top of that and this week we were hit with stomach virus and sinus infections (both at the same time for me... good times).

Anna Gray had her 2yr well-check :)

She cracked 20 lbs! Right at 21, actually. Still a peanut though. Less than 5th percentile on a typical chart (closer to 30th percentile on the DS chart).

Also, I get that they have a "standard" checklist... but I wish they didn't go thru it so mechanically.

•Does she jump with two feet? No

•Does she feed herself with a spoon and a fork? No

•Does she climb the stairs one foot at a time? No

•Does she kick a ball? No

•Does she say at least 50 words? No

 But you know what she can do?! And I proceeded to list all her new little accomplishments. They were super nice, but come on...

 Anna Gray also had her hearing test at Vanderbilt again. She failed miserably again.

She registered no sounds in her left ear, again. BUT her eardrum isn't moving at all which means it's likely that she has fluid in the way, although they can't see any in her teeny tiny ear canal. So... the plan is tubes and ABR at the same time, since she'll already be sedated. If there is fluid, it could be the reason she can't hear. Or fluid can have absolutely nothing to do with the fact that she can't hear. That being said.... it sure ain't stopping her! She appears to hear well and her speech is actually above average. We'll see :)

 

Also very much worth mentioning, last week Nathan got a new job!

He now has a permanent full-time active duty position on base in his chosen career field :)  AAANDD since that position won't start until July 1st... this week he was promoted in his current positon!

When he told us, Cale said: "So your the boss?"

Nathan: "Just like at home!"

And then we all laughed and laughed and laughed ;)